International Year of Natural Fibr(⇄)es

I've spent the better part of this morning researching wool. I have mixed feelings about it, it's an amazing fabric with all kinds of unique attributes, but animal rights are a concern. Smartwool seems to have excellent policies on mulesing, so I was really excited when I recieved some their baselayer bottoms and a top (in olive no less) for the holidays. Just recently I also went out and bought some Icebreaker lightweight wool boxer briefs. I'm a big fan of the fact that this stuff hardly ever needs to be washed.

• Yehuda Moon knows what's up.
• So does Grant Peterson at Rivendell.
• Mary Stipe weighs in as well.
• And it's apparently the International Year of Natural Fibres...

Now someone get me one of these.

Simple 2173 Carload Shoe Review

I was in desperate need of a new pair of shoes that was durable, environmentally friendly, cheap, and stylish. These simple shoes fit the bill and could be my favorite pair of shoes ever. I wanted the vegan model but the price was twice as much, and olive is a great color.

Simple Carload Shoe Review from Patch on Vimeo.

My bike

Here is my Surly Long Haul Trucker:
Stock 2009 model with some customization

• Brooks B-17 Honey Saddle
• Kryptonite Seat Saver
• Tortec rear rack
• Jandd Extreme Front Rack (Not Pictured)
• Japanese Dinger Bell from Velo Orange
  
• Purple bottle cage
  

The shirts are done!

I designed and printed some shirts for my buddies at Tarck Bike

Here's how they turned out: